Video conference of ministers for European affairs, 24 March 2020

Summary:

EU Ministers for European Affairs held a video conference on 24 March 2020.

Further information:

Ministers exchanged views on the enlargement and the stabilisation and association process, focusing on Albania and North Macedonia. There was an agreement to the opening of accession negotiations with both countries, following the recommendation stated by the European Commission in its assessments. A written procedure was launched as a result for the formal adoption of Council conclusions,

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 25/03/2020: Council conclusions on enlargement and stabilisation and association process - Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/03/25/council-conclusions-on-enlargement-and-stabilisation-and-association-process/

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News

Reuters, 23/03/2020: EU moves to start membership talks with Albania, North Macedonia https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN21A1AA

RFE/RL, 24/03/2020: After Years Of Delay, North Macedonia, Albania Get OK To Begin EU Accession Talks https://www.rferl.org/a/after-years-of-delay-north-macedonia-albania-get-ok-to-begin-eu-accession-talks/30507053.html

Euronews, 24/03/2020: EU enlargement: Brussels 'can open membership talks' with Albania and North Macedonia https://www.euronews.com/2020/03/24/brussels-can-open-eu-membership-talks-with-albania-and-north-macedonia

The Independent, 24/03/2020: EU agrees to open accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/eu-accession-talks-albania-north-macedonia-news-a9422851.html

Deutsche Welle, 24/03/2020: EU accession: The wait is finally over for Skopje and Tirana https://p.dw.com/p/3Zx4u

The Irish Times, 24/03/2020: EU ministers back membership talks for North Macedonia and Albania https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/eu-ministers-back-membership-talks-for-north-macedonia-and-albania-1.4211174

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